Bordallo Observes 20th Anniversary of Center for Minority Veterans

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Center for Minority Veterans. Congresswoman Bordallo served as the keynote speaker at an observance ceremony held at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She also spoke with Secretary McDonald about issues affecting Guam veterans, including the need to expand the Community Based Outpatient Clinic and the progress of expanding the Guam Veterans Cemetery.

Established in 1994, the Center for Minority Veterans serves as the principle advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on policies and regulations affecting minority veterans. The Center works to ensure that these policies are culturally sensitive to minority populations, and it ensures veterans are properly informed of the benefits and services available to them.

Also in attendance were Barbara Ward, Director of the Center for Minority Veterans, and Teresita Guevara Smith, who serves on the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

“I appreciate the important work the Center for Minority Veterans does to ensure that minority veterans are aware of and understand the role the VA plays in providing them with assistance following their service to our country,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “I am encouraged by the steps the VA is taking, in coordination with the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, to enhance services provided to minority veterans. I believe that these efforts will build on the Center’s achievements over the last 20 years and will increase capacity to address the many issues affecting minority veteran populations. I look forward to continue working with the Center for Minority Veterans as they provide outreach and service to minority veterans throughout the country.”